Sarah's Guidebook
Food Scene
Did you know? Tucson is an UNESCO recognized City of Gastronomy! We have lots of amazing places to eat, but here are some of our favorites.
(Tucson-dot-cityofgastronomy-dot-org)
Authentic Ethiopian food and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The spicy red lentils and collard greens are two dishes I just have to have every time. Build your own combo, though, there’s lots to choose from! You’ll need extra injera, I promise.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Zemam's Too
119 E Speedway BlvdAuthentic Ethiopian food and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The spicy red lentils and collard greens are two dishes I just have to have every time. Build your own combo, though, there’s lots to choose from! You’ll need extra injera, I promise.
Street tacos on the popular 4th Avenue district by celebrated Chef Maria Mazon (James Beard Semi-Finalist)
70 現地メンバーのおすすめ
BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveStreet tacos on the popular 4th Avenue district by celebrated Chef Maria Mazon (James Beard Semi-Finalist)
Pizza handmade, fresh, from scratch daily. I’ve gotten in arguments about the best pizza in Tucson, because everyone has their own preferences (no judgement here), and while you can get a fancy itty-bitty pizzas other places, when *I* want pizza, this is what I think of: *THIS* is pizza and I will defend its deliciousness.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Magpies Gourmet Pizza 4th Ave.
605 North 4th AvenuePizza handmade, fresh, from scratch daily. I’ve gotten in arguments about the best pizza in Tucson, because everyone has their own preferences (no judgement here), and while you can get a fancy itty-bitty pizzas other places, when *I* want pizza, this is what I think of: *THIS* is pizza and I will defend its deliciousness.
Located in Oro Valley with mountain views that are stunning at sunset, this is a Charro family restaurant combining Mediterranean and Sonoran Desert heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Centered on fresh local produce and whole grains, every dish can be customized with a plant- or meat- based protein of your choice. Don’t skip the chocolate churros! Make a reservation during peak dining times.
18 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Charro Vida
7109 N Oracle RdLocated in Oro Valley with mountain views that are stunning at sunset, this is a Charro family restaurant combining Mediterranean and Sonoran Desert heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Centered on fresh local produce and whole grains, every dish can be customized with a plant- or meat- based protein of your choice. Don’t skip the chocolate churros! Make a reservation during peak dining times.
Mexican restaurant with Native American influence. Popular items are the Indian fry bread tacos and chicken with mole sauce. (I got you, vegans and vegetarians, there’s plenty for you here too!)
28 現地メンバーのおすすめ
La Indita
722 N Stone AveMexican restaurant with Native American influence. Popular items are the Indian fry bread tacos and chicken with mole sauce. (I got you, vegans and vegetarians, there’s plenty for you here too!)
DDD featured restaurant (calling all Guy Fieri fans!) - everything is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, and even if you're not veggie, the food is still amazing! Chef Wendy Garcia is also a James Beard Semi-Finalist!
72 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Tumerico
2526 E 6th StDDD featured restaurant (calling all Guy Fieri fans!) - everything is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, and even if you're not veggie, the food is still amazing! Chef Wendy Garcia is also a James Beard Semi-Finalist!
The latest iteration of a neighborhood market and restaurant that has been a Tucson staple (formerly Rincon Market, for Tucson veterans) for many years
57 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StThe latest iteration of a neighborhood market and restaurant that has been a Tucson staple (formerly Rincon Market, for Tucson veterans) for many years
La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StTumerico's sister restaurant with expanded menu options for meat eaters
Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
2990 N Campbell AveTucson's OG vegan restaurant
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
5071 East 5th StreetNewer vegan deli in midtown
eHotPot
243 East Speedway BoulevardNewer restaurant specializing in Hot Pot - it's delicious!
Tuk Tuk Thai - Thai street Food
2990 North Campbell AvenueTasty thai food just up the road
From James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra - get there early because their coveted artisanal breads often sell out!
52 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne AveFrom James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra - get there early because their coveted artisanal breads often sell out!
Oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the U.S. Make a reservation or expect to enjoy a margarita while you wait, because they are typically busy on weekends.
151 現地メンバーのおすすめ
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveOldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the U.S. Make a reservation or expect to enjoy a margarita while you wait, because they are typically busy on weekends.
Update 2022: Temporarily closed for renovations; check out Zemam’s Too instead!
18 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Zemam's
2731 E Broadway BlvdUpdate 2022: Temporarily closed for renovations; check out Zemam’s Too instead!
Karuna's Thai Plate
1917 E Grant RdWalking distance from our neighborhood!
Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar
Walking distance from our neighborhood!
こんにちは！Authentic Japanese restaurant that is also within walking distance to our neighborhood. (Formerly Yoshimatsu for Tucson veterans—the former owner is enjoying a well deserved retirement from the day to day restaurant business, but Maru continues the legacy!)
Maru Plus - Japanese Ramen, Onigiri, Sushi, Curry, Donburi Rice Bowl & More
こんにちは！Authentic Japanese restaurant that is also within walking distance to our neighborhood. (Formerly Yoshimatsu for Tucson veterans—the former owner is enjoying a well deserved retirement from the day to day restaurant business, but Maru continues the legacy!)
This is a longtime favorite restaurant for Chinese food with lots of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike!
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Guilin Chinese Restaurant
4445 E Broadway BlvdThis is a longtime favorite restaurant for Chinese food with lots of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike!
Postino Grant
2500 E Grant RdGreat food that is shareable with great friends and great wine!
I don’t know what to tell you, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
31 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant
1138 N Belvedere AveI don’t know what to tell you, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Nearby, popular brunch spot. Note the cover photo that came up is old. They are located on the east side of Campbell, north of Grant.
170 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveNearby, popular brunch spot. Note the cover photo that came up is old. They are located on the east side of Campbell, north of Grant.
Mexican restaurant. Order at the counter and enjoy the patio. See also their location on River Road for indoor seating.
Seis Kitchen
Mexican restaurant. Order at the counter and enjoy the patio. See also their location on River Road for indoor seating.
Sightseeing
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadBeautiful desert hikes, but not pet friendly.
カタリナ州立公園
11570 North Oracle RoadCheck their website (visitkittpeak dot org) for more information.
95 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Check their website (visitkittpeak dot org) for more information.
This is a hike with a solid climb on a paved path, but worth it. Popular local spot to watch the sunset (or sunrise!) over Tucson. The surrounding area is a natural preservation area, so stay on the path and do not bring pets.
108 現地メンバーのおすすめ
タマモック・ヒル
This is a hike with a solid climb on a paved path, but worth it. Popular local spot to watch the sunset (or sunrise!) over Tucson. The surrounding area is a natural preservation area, so stay on the path and do not bring pets.
センチネルピーク公園（“A”マウンテン）
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd STucson's "A" mountain
Runners and walkers - there is a free timed 5k every Saturday morning (starts 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter). Check out the parkrun website (parkrun dot us slash himmel) for details and to register (or just show up and one of the volunteers will help you)!
20 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ヒンメル公園
1000 N Tucson BlvdRunners and walkers - there is a free timed 5k every Saturday morning (starts 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter). Check out the parkrun website (parkrun dot us slash himmel) for details and to register (or just show up and one of the volunteers will help you)!
Reid Park
Tucson's central park - with dog park, duck pond, golf course, and zoo
Fun day trip to pick your own produce, visit their store for jams, etc. and otherwise enjoy a nice day strolling among the trees!
6 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Apple Annie's You-Pick Orchard
2081 Hardy RdFun day trip to pick your own produce, visit their store for jams, etc. and otherwise enjoy a nice day strolling among the trees!
ブランディ・フェントン記念公園
3482 E River RdLarge park with sculpture garden and dog park
Lots of great hiking trails from the desert all the way up to alpine forest at 8000+ feet. Download the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app (created by the University of Arizona) for a guided journey through the scenery as you drive up (there's a sign as you approach the mountain that will tell you when to start).
485 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mount Lemmon
Lots of great hiking trails from the desert all the way up to alpine forest at 8000+ feet. Download the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app (created by the University of Arizona) for a guided journey through the scenery as you drive up (there's a sign as you approach the mountain that will tell you when to start).
サン・ザビエル伝道教会
1950 W San Xavier RdIconic mission—the one you've probably seen on postcards.
Kartchner Caverns is a living cave with two separate tours (the “Throne Room” and the “Big Room”) and if you are going to visit one cave, this should be it. Visit the AZ state parks website to reserve tickets (I recommend making your reservation at least two weeks in advance; note that the “Big Room” tour is not available Apr-Oct so as not to disturb the baby bats).
216 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kartchner Caverns State Park
2980 AZ-90Kartchner Caverns is a living cave with two separate tours (the “Throne Room” and the “Big Room”) and if you are going to visit one cave, this should be it. Visit the AZ state parks website to reserve tickets (I recommend making your reservation at least two weeks in advance; note that the “Big Room” tour is not available Apr-Oct so as not to disturb the baby bats).
コロサル洞窟山岳公園
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Saguaro National Park East
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Saguaro National Park West
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Mercado San Augustin and the nearby MSA Annex (complex made from old shipping containers) have dining, shops, and drinks, at the western end of the streetcar route.
Check out Beaut Burger for vegan burgers and Why I Love Where I Live for stylish Tucson-themed gifts and apparel. And lots more!
160 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoMercado San Augustin and the nearby MSA Annex (complex made from old shipping containers) have dining, shops, and drinks, at the western end of the streetcar route.
Check out Beaut Burger for vegan burgers and Why I Love Where I Live for stylish Tucson-themed gifts and apparel. And lots more!
Neighborhoods
My home neighborhood. Jefferson Park is a historic district north of the university with an eclectic mix of historic homes and newer buildings nearer to the university. Tucson is a Dark Sky city owing to the many observatories in the area, so as a result the streets can be quite dark. I walk through the neighborhood at night regularly and never feel unsafe. Carrying a small flashlight helps!
Jefferson Park
My home neighborhood. Jefferson Park is a historic district north of the university with an eclectic mix of historic homes and newer buildings nearer to the university. Tucson is a Dark Sky city owing to the many observatories in the area, so as a result the streets can be quite dark. I walk through the neighborhood at night regularly and never feel unsafe. Carrying a small flashlight helps!
Blenman-Elm Historic District
Nearby historic district
Sam Hughes
Nearby historic district
Barrio Viejo
Historic neighborhood downtown
Town at the top of Mount Lemmon with a few shops and restaurants to explore after your drive and/or hike!
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Summerhaven
Town at the top of Mount Lemmon with a few shops and restaurants to explore after your drive and/or hike!
If you're here during the month of December, this is the place to go to see holiday light displays
Winterhaven
If you're here during the month of December, this is the place to go to see holiday light displays
City/town information
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Elgin
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
56 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Sonoita
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
Museums
Outdoor museum / zoo showcasing Sonoran Desert plants and animals (from southern Arizona all the way to the Gulf of Mexico)
670 現地メンバーのおすすめ
アリゾナ ソノラ 砂漠博物館
2021 N Kinney RdOutdoor museum / zoo showcasing Sonoran Desert plants and animals (from southern Arizona all the way to the Gulf of Mexico)
Check their website (mirrorlab dot arizona dot edu) for tour information -- tours are expected to resume fall of 2024.
University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory
527 N National Championship DrCheck their website (mirrorlab dot arizona dot edu) for tour information -- tours are expected to resume fall of 2024.
タイタンミサイル博物館
1580 W Duval Mine RdDecommissioned missile silo from the cold war era
Eclectic collection of historic and neon signage from around Tucson, definitely recommend for fans of mid-century history.
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
イグナイトゥ・サイン美術館
331 S Olsen AveEclectic collection of historic and neon signage from around Tucson, definitely recommend for fans of mid-century history.
Huge collection of gems and minerals. Expected to receive an asteroid sample from the Osiris-Rex mission to be on display in the near future…
University of Arizona Mineral Museum
115 North Church AvenueHuge collection of gems and minerals. Expected to receive an asteroid sample from the Osiris-Rex mission to be on display in the near future…
The University of Arizona's photography museum with rotating exhibits plus Ansel Adams permanent collection
41 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N Olive RdThe University of Arizona's photography museum with rotating exhibits plus Ansel Adams permanent collection
フランドロ科学センターとプラネタリウム
1601 E University BlvdKitt Peak National Observatory
Check their website for tour information.
ツーソン美術館と歴史地区
140 N Main AveFree entrance the first Thursday evening of each month.
AZ Wine Country
Deep Sky Vineyard
124 Elgin RdMead isn’t as commonly familiar as wine, so it’s great to check out if you’ve never had it. And if you have, I still recommend. I almost always end up here at the end of the day (or next-door neighbors Hops and Vines) because both are open just a bit later than the other wineries if you want to maximize your stops.
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Meading Room
3470 AZ-82Mead isn’t as commonly familiar as wine, so it’s great to check out if you’ve never had it. And if you have, I still recommend. I almost always end up here at the end of the day (or next-door neighbors Hops and Vines) because both are open just a bit later than the other wineries if you want to maximize your stops.
Los Milics Vineyards
ルーン・ワインズ
3969 AZ-82Twisted Union Wine Company
Fun, offbeat wine pairings with rotating snacks like Cocoa Puffs, hot Cheetos, potato chips, and more! There’s also animals roaming the property (peacocks, goats, ducks…) and a small playground (friends don’t let friends don’t drink and seesaw!)
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Arizona Hops ＆Vines
3450 AZ-82Fun, offbeat wine pairings with rotating snacks like Cocoa Puffs, hot Cheetos, potato chips, and more! There’s also animals roaming the property (peacocks, goats, ducks…) and a small playground (friends don’t let friends don’t drink and seesaw!)
Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery
342 Elgin Canelo RdElgin Distillery
Coffee
Great local coffee roaster with a nice patio within walking distance to our neighborhood.
74 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AveGreat local coffee roaster with a nice patio within walking distance to our neighborhood.
Multiple locations. Don't tell the other coffee roasters, but this is probably the best coffee in Tucson. Proudly served at a number of coffee shops around town.
60 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del ConventoMultiple locations. Don't tell the other coffee roasters, but this is probably the best coffee in Tucson. Proudly served at a number of coffee shops around town.